Tuesday night saw Argentina’s second qualifier for the 2014 World Cup, and an historic result in Puerto La Cruz. In eighteen previous matches between Argentina and Venezuela, Argentina had won every single one, but tonight Venezuela played better and got a deserved 1-0 victory, with Fernando Amorebieta scoring the game’s only goal from a corner. You can see it right here.
World Cup Brazil 2014 qualifiers, Tuesday 11th October 2011
Venezuela 1 – 0 Argentina
Argentina were largely on top for the opening twenty-five minutes, but thereafter began to look tired, with the three-man backline formed by Nico Burdisso, Martín Demichelis and Nico Otamendi looking stretched at times, and with Pablo Zabaleta and Marcos Rojo never looking entirely sure where they were meant to be in the wide positions. As Venezuela gained in confidence, especially during the second half, forwards Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuaín were totally isolated. Combined with a poor game from Javier Mascherano, Venezuela eventually made the pressure tell. Amorebieta’s goal was well deserved, and Tomás Rincón, Juan Arango and José Rincón were all very impressive for the hosts.
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Hasta El Gol Siempre 
Horrible performance by Argentina in the second period. Exasperating ! The best way to look at it is that they were not fresh after Chile and wilted in the heat. The worst outlook is that the team lacks will and spirit, gives up when they are behind, and has a new coach who is wedded to some poor players. The jury is out and might be for a while. But that second period…it doesn’t get any uglier than that.